The stage is set for a musical play to commemorate World War 1 at Birches Valley Concert Venue(see map below) this June, as Cannock Chase Arts Council presents Four Winters at War.

The fictional play, written by local writer Peter Sidgwick and local composer Jon Seymour, tells the story of the lives and loves of four soldiers, one British, two from New Zealand and one German prisoner of war, all of whom find themselves on the Chase and become romantically connected with nurses serving at the nearby military hospital on Brindley Heath on Cannock Chase between 1915 and 1918.

The show will be performed rain or shine as a 360 degree experience, with the audience seated picnic style on rugs and garden chairs, surrounded by a choir of over 100 singers, with four stages where the various scenes will take place.

Peter Sidgwick, Chairman of Cannock Chase Arts Council, said: “With over fifty actors and a choir of over one hundred singers, the show promises to be a unique theatrical experience right in the heart of our beautiful Cannock Chase”.

Four Winters at War is being presented by Cannock Chase Arts Council, but will be very much a community event involving some 150 local amateur actors, musicians, singers, dancers, army cadets, school children and the Birmingham Pals (a WW1 re-enactment group) together with presentations from local photographers, painters, floral artists and tapestry makers.

The main sponsor is Craig Watts Holdings who are proud to support the local community and celebrate the part played by Cannock Chase during World War One.

Four Winters At War plays on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June, 6pm – 9pm at Birches Valley Concert Venue.

Tickets are still available and are £10 per person. These can be purchased at the Prince of Wales Centre by booking online at boxoffice.wlct.org, by calling 01543 578762 or visiting the theatre at Church Street, Cannock.